The Titans plan to feature SLB Akeem Ayers as an edge rusher on passing downs just as they did in the second half of 2012. Ayers registered five of his six sacks over the final nine games last season. Per Pro Football Focus, Ayers rushed the quarterback on 29 percent of the passing snaps he played on, good for the third-highest percentage among 4-3 outside linebackers in 2012. Ayers' emergence as a real threat off the edge might explain why the Titans haven't targeted defensive ends in free agency.

Titans SLB Akeem Ayers played middle linebacker in nickel packages during the team's regular season finale. Ayers more than held his own, racking up eight tackles, a sack, two QB hits, and a forced fumble. Colin McCarthy will return to his starting job at middle linebacker in 2013, but this look gives Tennessee some options to consider during the offseason. With Ayers at SAM, McCarthy at MIKE, and impressive rookie Zach Brown at WILL, the Titans theoretically have the makings of a highly promising young linebacker corps entering next season.

The Titans used SLB Akeem Ayers almost exclusively as a defensive end in passing situations in their Week 8 loss to the Colts. Ayers worked in a rotation with Kamerion Wimbley, playing just 34-of-77 snaps. The move came as a result of the Titans' lack of depth at DE with Dave Ball, Leger Douzable and Keyunta Dawson all landing onon injured reserve. Aside from starters Wimbley and Derrick Morgan, Pannel Egboh and rookie Scott Solomon are the only other defensive ends on the roster. Owners in IDP leagues who have relied on Ayers thus far may want to consider other options going forward due to his decreased time on the field.

Titans SLB Akeem Ayers is expected to line up on the line of scrimmage as a pass rusher with regularity this season.

Titans SLB Akeem Ayers is concentrating on improving his pass-rushing skills this offseason. Lacking playmaking ability, Ayers had just two sacks and seven QB pressures to go with 88 tackles as a rookie. New pass-rushing coach Keith Millard is helping Ayers improve his technique, which was often "completely wrong" in 2011. Ayers and DL Jerry Gray both realize it's "real crucial" for the second-year linebacker to improve his sack total.

New Titans defensive assistant/pass-rush specialist Keith Millard specifically mentioned SLB Akeem Ayers as a player it will be "fun to work with." The former Bucs defensive line coach, Millard was hired by Tennessee on Monday. A 16-game starter at strong-side linebacker in his rookie year, Ayers emerged as an every-down player during the stretch run, finishing with 76 tackles and a pair of sacks. Millard will work closely with the 2011 second-round pick, as Ayers will play defensive end in pass-rush situations.

Rookies Akeem Ayers and Colin McCarthy have picked up snaps while staying on the field in nickel packages. The Titans want Ayers on the field as much as possible now that he has a command of the base and nickel packages. McCarthy is playing well enough that Barrett Ruud may be the odd man out once he returns from a groin injury. McCarthy had 11 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception in Week 12.

Second-round rookie Akeem Ayers is that Titans' projected starter at strong-side linebacker. Ayers' extreme athleticism is going to give him a versatile role in the defense. He can rush the passer off the edge or stand up over the tight end. Look for Gerald McRath to back up all three linebacker spots and play in nickel situations.

Second-round pick Akeem Ayers is already running as a starter in Titans camp, displacing Gerald McRath at strong-side linebacker. The competition shouldn't be over, but Ayers has been an absolute terror in early practices. McRath can play all three linebacker positions and was on the second team Thursday, working behind Barrett Ruud in the middle. The Titans suddenly have linebacker depth with rookie Colin McCarthy also backing up.